WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government plans to maintain and renovate 50 dams across the island in 2027 as part of an effort to reduce flooding risks while improving groundwater infiltration for agriculture.
The project will cover dams located in several watersheds throughout Curaçao and is scheduled to run from January through December 2027.
According to the Budget Memorandum, maintaining the dams is important because they reduce the risk of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
The structures also allow rainwater to infiltrate into the ground, helping maintain groundwater levels that can support agricultural activity.
The government warns that failure to properly maintain the dams could result in structural failures during heavy rainfall, potentially flooding homes and other buildings and causing financial damage to residents.
The project is therefore being linked not only to environmental management and public safety but also to the government’s food-security strategy.
Curaçao has faced recurring challenges in capturing and managing rainfall because of its dry climate and periods of intense precipitation.
The government intends to combine maintenance of the 50 dams with work on other water infrastructure at different locations around the island.
The budget describes the expected result as improved water management and a safer living environment.